
Qass 

PRESENTED BV I ^\ I ^ 



HE TWILIGHT of THE KINGS 



The Sixteenth Gro'^e T^lay 
'Bohemian Club 





THE ""'-^ 



TWILIGHT OF THE KINGS 

zyf zJ^as^ue of T)emocracy 

BY 

RICHARD M. HOTALING 

MUSIC BY 

WALLACE A. SABIN 

LYRICS 

(EXCEPTING SONG OF LOVE) 

BY 

GEORGE STERLING 

THIS IS THE SIXTEENTH 

GROVE PLAY OF THE BOHEMIAN 

CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO, AS PERFORMED 

BY ITS MEMBERS IN THE BOHEMIAN GROVE, 

SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, THE 

NIGHT OF SATURDAY, AUGUST 

THIRD, NINETEEN HUNDRED 

AND EIGHTEEN 



BOHEMIAN CLUB 

SAN FRANCISCO 
MCMXVIII 



COPYRIGHT, 191 8 
BY RICHARD M. HOTALING 









PRESS OF 
H. S. CROCKER COMPANY 
SAN FRANCISCO 



«^ /* f il '^ ^ '^ > 



FOREWORD 

THIS Grove Play is an Allegory of the horrible blood 
drama of reality that for four years has been enacting 
upon the world's red stage — the battlefields of Europe. 
There is nothing that is new or startling in any thought 
that it contains. I offer it to the Bohemian Club simply 
as my participation in Club spirit. Without affectation 
or want of sincerity, I do not hesitate to admit my lack of 
literary quality; I have tried to tell a story of interest 
which would afford opportunity for musical setting and 
spectacular grouping. 

The musical genius of Wallace A. Sabin never fails to 
transport its hearers to the realm of his dreams. 

The visions of Haig Patigian show us beauties that with- 
out his aid we should never see. 

The unerring stage direction of Frank L. Mathieu trans- 
forms the poor abilities of our actors into a certain degree 
of skill, and for the time being they really seem to be what 
they hope to simulate. 

Harry P. Carlton, able assistant to all who ask his help, 
builds the stage properties with the deftness of the true 
artist. 

Eugene Blanchard labors with our chorus till they sing 
in genuine joy and faultless harmony. 

Porter Garnett, willing to work and kindly to counsel, 
has been of great assistance in preparation of this Play 
Book. 

Then Edward J. Duffey. An inspiration to all his 
colleagues, and the wizard of our Forest illumination. 

[iii] 



To these the Bohemian Club is greatly indebted, not 
only for past performances, but for whatever may be the 
success or merits of this present year's Grove Play. 

It has been the custom briefly to sketch the plot of the 
Play. I have not done so. Those who are interested 
enough in it will read it throughout; those who see its 
production, and who take little time for reading, will have 
a far better picture in their memory than could be con- 
jured by the text alone. My only hope is that "The 
Twilight of the Kings" may be worthy of acceptance into 
the goodly association of former Grove Plays of the 
Bohemian Club. 

Richard M. Hotaling, Sire. 



[iv] 



PERSONS OF THE PLAY 



KING FEROX 

PRINCE ALFORD, his son 

KING HAGEN 

PRINCE ERIC, his son 

KING HUGO 

PRINCE HAROLD, his son 

KING AGNAR 

PRINCE ARNOLD, his son 

LORD SELWYN, warden of the 
princes 

ATTICUS, tutor of the princes 

THE CASTLE HERALD 

FIRST STEWARD 

SECOND STEWARD 

THIRD STEWARD 

A PAGE 

FIRST PEASANT 

SECOND PEASANT 

THIRD PEASANT 

FOURTH PEASANT 

FIFTH PEASANT 



Mr. Richard M. Hotaling 
Mr. Dion R. Holm 
Mr. George J. Mayerle, Jr. 
Mr. Harold K. Baxter 
Mr. August M. Aguirre 
Mr. Charles F. Bulotti 
Mr. John I. Housman 
Mr. Austin W. Sperry 

Mr. Frank. P. Deering 
Mr. Winfield Blake 
Mr. Harry P. Carlton 
Mr. Joseph S. Thompson 
Mr. Charles C. Trowbridge 
Mr. Fred A. Denicke 
Mr. Edward V. Saunders 
Mr. John McEwing 
Mr. a. a. Arbogast 
Mr. John R. Gwynn 
Mr. E. H. Denicke 
Mr. Edgar D. Peixotto 



[v] 



SIXTH PEASANr,who sings the 
Song of Love Mr. Easton Kent 

SEVENTH PEASANT Mr. C. E. Engvick 

FIRST KNIGHT Mr. E. L. Taylor 

SECOND KNIGHT Mr. R. E. Fisher 

THIRD KNIGHT Mr. Harold Brayton 

FOURTH KNIGHT Mr. G. Pulenky 

FIFTH KNIGHT, who sings the 
Drinking Song Mr. Jerome P. Uhl 

A YEOMAN, who dances ai the i^anquet Mr. Edward J. Duffey 
Knights, Yeomen, Peasants, Servants 

Place: A castle in Sylvania. 
Time: Between darkness and light. 

Stage Director, Mr. Frank L. Mathieu 
Lighting and Illumination by Mr. Edward J. Duffey 
Properties by Mr. Harry P. Carlton 
Director of Dance, Mr. P. J. Prinz 

Chorus Master, Mr. Eugene Blanchard 

and 

Conductor, Mr. Wallace A. Sabin 



[vi] 



CHORUS AND SUPERNUMERARIES 



KING HAGEN'S MEN: 



KING HUGO'S MEN: 



KING AGNAR'S MEN: 



KING FEROX'S MEN: 



Mr. C. F. Clevenger 
Mr. W. H. Hopkinson 
Mr. R. L. White 
Mr. a. L. Piper 
Mr. J. D. RuGGLES 
Mr. Otis Johnson 
Mr. C. J. Evans 

Mr. William Cross 
Mr. W. a. Mitchell 
Mr. a. Y. Wood 
Mr. F. C. Schuler 
Mr. F. N. Anderson 
Mr. Richard Lundgren 
Mr. G. R. Williams 

Mr. R 

Mr. G. a. Rogers 
Mr. R. Probasco 
Mr. R. B. Heath 
Mr. Harold Brayton 
Mr. F. Towner 
Mr. E. W. Roland 
Mr. R. a. Kuner 



Mr. J. A. Stroud 
Mr. R. I. Lynas 
M. E. H. McCandlish 
Mr. Chester Herold 
Mr. p. S. Carlton 
Mr. R. O. Bokee 
Mr. H. F. Hiller 

Mr. T. G. Whitaker 
Mr. Mark. White 
Mr. R. H. Collier 
Mr. A. H. Still 
Mr. W. p. Nielsen 
Mr. William Olney 
Mr. W. F. Hooke 
A. Brown 

Mr. David Eisenbach 
Mr. C. a. Rieser 
Mr. J. I. Thomas 
Mr. Ed Hause 
Mr. H. E. Hare 
Mr. B. M. Stick 
Mr. Jerome P. Uhl 



Mr. Edwin Draper 



Mr. G. Purlenky 


Mr. 


E. M. Moore 


Mr. W. W. Davis 


Mr. 


F. WiLKENS 


Mr. T. G. Elliott 


Mr. 


Benj. Romaine 


Mr. W. E. Hague 


Mr. 


C. F. VOLKER 


Mr. a. G. Kellogg 


Mr. 


A. F. Lawton 


Mr. W. S. Newmeyer 


Mr, 


. C. C. Crane 


Mr. H. B. Johnson 


Mr. 


E. J. COWLES 


Mr. R. H. Lachmund 


Mr. 


G. R. Schwartz 



LORD SELWYN'S SOLDIERS: Mr. C. F. Humphrey 
Mr. L. W. Mix 
Mr. a. p. Redding 
Mr. W. H. Jordan 

LORD SELWYN'S SERVITORS: Mr. Gordon Hall 
Mr. W. H. Crim, Jr. 
Mr. H. M. a. Miller 
Mr. a. G. Heunisch 
Mr. McKee Sherrard 



Mr. H. D. Loveland 
Mr. E. Jesurun 
Mr. J. P. WissER 
Mr. E. T. McMurray 

Mr. Geo. T. Klink 
Mr. Chas. K. Field 
Mr. Geo. Hammersmith 
Mr. Chester Thomas 
Mr. Russell B. Field 



[vii] 



PLAN OF THE MUSIC 

1. Prelude. 

2. Glee sung by approaching Peasants. 

3. Wander Song of Atticus. 

4. The Prince's Song of Peace. 

5. March and Chorus for entrance of Kings. 

6. Drinking Song. 

7. Hornpipe. 

8. Song of Love. 

9. War Chorus. 

10. Ballet Suite — Dance of the Wee Small Hours: 

a. Night and the World sleeps. 

b. The waning light of moon and stars. 

c. Approach of Dawn. 

d. Daylight and the World awakes. 

11. Funeral March — Death of Ferox. 

12. Finale. 



[ viii ] 



THE TWILIGHT OF THE KINGS 



THE TWILIGHT OF THE KINGS 

zA <J)(Casque of T)emocracy 
EPISODE I 

1'ke scene is before Lord Selwyn's castle, at the foot of a 
hillside in a forest of great trees, 'The portal of the castle 
gives upon a landing from which y on the right and lefty two 
stairways descend. Between the stairways is a vault, closed 
by a heavy door. One of the windows, high in the castle wall, 
opens upon a balcony. At a little distance from the castle 
stands a rude work-shop in which are the various appliances, 
tools, instruments, and f asks of the smith and the chemist. 
It is just before the break of day, 

[Prince Alford is discovered in the work-shop. He 
has just completed an object on which he was at 
work, and stands in a transport of joy. 

Prince Alford 

The night's hushed eloquence repeats 
The message that so oft the stars 
Have flashed adown their silvern beams. 
And now my heart o'erswells in prophecy. 
From out the eternal fellowship 
Of years, there stands upon the brink 
Of time the greatest day of man. 
The day wherein the souls of men, 

[3] 



Made conscious by a quickening sense, 

Shall see with vision clear. Then shall 

It be revealed that life is but 

A prelude of the heaven to come 

And not a causeway to the gates 

Of hell. The music of the spheres 

A strain divine shall be, relieved 

Of all that crashes out of tune. 

United in a common cause, humanity shall find 

The strength of one the bond of all. 

So shall it be that hate 'twixt man and man 

And state and state shall pass. 

Within the brotherhood of all, 

Each shall perceive his fitting place 

And do his work without complaint. 

The greater man is he who is 

Of greater use and bears himself 

In sweet simplicity. Ere long 

There'll be no room for idleness 

And waste, and only those who are 

Of use shall be of the elect. 

Shine forth, O stars, upon my path. 

Guide me aright, let me not fail. 

But boldly face my destiny, 

Unswerving, unafraid. Be with 

Me now, my hour is at hand. 

Within my grasp hold I a force 

That now I'll put to test. 

And if my dream come true, I have 

Not toiled in vain. Now let me try 

If all the secrets I have learned 

Have been by me combined with skill 

Into a union wonderful. 

Each single thing alone is weak, 

[4] 



But here a magic blend I've made 

Of substances of single harmlessness, 

But thus combined 

Create a force that none alone 

Intrinsic has. E'en as with man! 

Beneath this rotting stump 

I'll bury thee, and thus 

I touch with fire thy stem. 

Behold ! My heart cries out in joy, 

I am of holy baptism, 

I am of use to man. 

Now shall the land be cleared 

Of stubborn stones and hindering stumps. 

And everything that takes the space 

Of better things must go. 

Much killing toil shall be made Hght 

And great achievements shall be done. 

For every force revealed to man 

Proclaims triumphant victories ; 

So on and on till men become as gods. 

Now shall the rocks be slain. 

And land be pulverized for 

Gentle growing plants. 

I've labored well, and soon 

I shall reveal unto my 

Brother man this mystery I have made. 

But, lest some mischief should befall, 

Let me this power conceal 

From careless hands that know not of its might. 

Where shall I find a place secure ? 

Yes, there within that room of death — 

That room so set apart as prison cell 

For such unlucky prince whose sire 

Should break the compact of the warring kings. 

[5] 



None enters there, it is a cursed spot, 

So there my engines of this new-born might 

Will rest secure and undisturbed. 

But let me haste, for morning sings 

Her wakening tune. 

It is a stirring day. For now 

My father comes and all the other kings 

Assemble here their compact to renew. 

The annual feast is held, and they 

Shall greet their loving sons 

In Selwyn's keeping placed 

As hostages of peace. ' 

Oh, joyful day ! I am impatient as a restless child 

To greet my sire 

And tell him of this new-born might 

That I have captive made to serve 

The will of man. 

l^T'be light increases with the advance of morning. 
Singing is heard^ and a company of Peasants, 
carrying various burdens, enters. 

Peasants {Singing) 

Who says that life is only care ? 

Fa la la la. 
We say the world is very fair ! 

Fa la la la. 
In summer, autumn, and the spring. 
How can a body help but sing ? 
So let's put by all sorrow ! 
But if it should be winter 
We'll whistle for the winter 

Fa la la la. 
Oh, cast your care upon the air! 

[6] 



And twine the grape vines in your hair ! 
Forget about to-morrow. 

Oh, joy and youth are ours to-day! 

Fa la la la. 
And even older folks are gay ! 

Fa la la la. 
Your hand, your heart, my gentle friend. 
And may the revel never end ! 
Let's fill the night with laughter! 
We'll set old Care a-prancing ! 
We'll set the Joys to dancing ! 

Fa la la la. 
The moon is bright upon the grass. 
In yonder glade I see a lass. 
And I will follow after. 

First Peasant 

I'm glad I've come unto my journey's end, this sheep 
was heavy on my back. 

Second Peasant 
And I, too, found this swine no feather's weight. 

Third Peasant 

Ay! likewise we with fruits and garden truck are pleased 
to drop our burdens for a breathing spell. 

First Peasant 

God's life ! This meeting of the kings lays heavy draft 
upon all husbandry. 

Second Peasant 
They sure feed fat upon the best there is. 

[7] 



First Peasant 
They keep us working with but little holiday. 

Fourth Peasant 

I wonder what it's like to be a king. Sometimes I think 
it must be good, and then again I'm glad I'm what I am. 

Fifth Peasant 

What matters it? Content is all there is, no better gift 
has life for kings or proletariat. 

First Peasant 

'Fore God, where got thee such a word as that? Dost 
call us names or art thou speaking fair? 

Second Peasant 

I'll bust your crust for lesser word than that and if you 
call it me. 

[Cries of, '' Ay, Ayl " ''What means he! " "/ am 
none such! " ''Have at him! " 

Fifth Peasant 

I meant no harm. I read much out of books. The 
word was one I saw whose meaning is a kindly one. 

Third Peasant 

That is the fault of books. It would be well if none had 
ever been. 

Fifth Peasant 

Ye foolish ones, ye do condemn what ye know nothing 
of, and would fall to fighting just because of words ye do 
not understand. Ye are of no more sense than kings. 

[8] 



Second Peasant 

I'm not so strong for kings. I think I'll have a crack at 
thee. 

Third Peasant 

Let him be. These fellows who are all of books are ever 
making strife among us poorer folk. 

Second Peasant 
And for that very thing I want to thwack him once. 
\_Some of the Peasants cry, "^^j io hell with books!" 
As they are about to fight three Stewards enter. 

First Steward 

What's the matter here? Put by this brawl. Be off 
with you. 

Second Steward 

Take your things to the rear wall gate. Ye had no right 
to halt here at the castle door. Make haste before ye 
get a broken head or well belabored back. 

Second Peasant {aside) 

I 'd like to take a crack at you. You dirty pigs ! You 're 
placed here by that swinish king Ferox. Your manner is 
your give-away. 

\_T'he Peasants go out. 'The Stewards look cau- 
tiously around. 

First Steward 

Well, what report hast thou to make ? 

Second Steward 

Our noble Prince Alford all night has worked here at 
his forge. And just as day was breaking I heard a strange 

[9] 



but muffled sound. I know not whence it came, and then 
a brief spell later and the Prince came by the secret door 
there 'neath the castle steps. 

First Steward 
What then ? 

Second Steward 

He bore a package in his arms. I know not what it was. 
I crept discreetly from my hiding place and followed after 
him. He slunk most cautiously along the halls and climbed 
the stairs that lead unto that chamber there. The room 
of death that gives upon that balcony. The thing he car- 
ried in his arms he left within that place of baneful dedica- 
tion. No one dares enter there; 'tis like a room accurst; 
for 'tis of common talk that he whose feet across that 
threshold pass, within the day will surely die or else come 
face to face with death. 

First Steward 

'Tis very strange. Perhaps a tragedy impends. Per- 
haps it is but foolery. I can not understand the Prince. 
He, the son of our All Highest King, our King who is the 
essence of Almighty God. A war-lord greater than great 
Mars of old and yet begotten of his iron blood there comes 
this frail — 

Third Steward 

Take heed ! do not offend our ears by word that we must 
straight report unto the clerk who keeps account of every 
utterance that touches our All Highest King or any of his 
blood. 

First Steward 

I would not have said anything against the Prince. 

[10] 



He'll be our King someday, and 'twixt a prince and king 
there lies a stretch as vast as 'twixt the master of a school 
and him who rules a state. Our Prince will change and 
then we'll see this gentleness will temper all his reign, per- 
haps to wisdom greater far than any king who yet has 
lived. 

Third Steward 

That was well said and such will be the record in my 
next report, {aside) Perhaps. 

Second Steward 

But come, what's to be done ? Is Alford further to be 
spied upon ^ 

First Steward 

I'll find a time to have a word with our All Highest King. 
I'll get instructions from him what is best. Disperse your- 
selves. 

[ A horn is heard. 
The castle wakes. 

YA fanfare of trumpets. T'wo trumpeters enter and 
blow a blast, '^hey are followed by Knights^ 
Teomen^ Feasants and the Castle Herald. 

The Castle Herald 

Hear ye the message of Selwyn, our Gracious Lord:- 
Be it known, my people, that this is the Day of Kings. 
Hither to-day will come the four great Kings as is their 
custom at this month and phase of moon. They come to 
greet their well beloved sons placed here as hostage in my 
care. Thus has the peace of their four kingdoms safely 
been preserved. For he who breaks his oath would by such 
breach cause me to slay his first born son placed in gentle 



durance in my custody. I bid ye all rejoice that war, by 
reason of this compact signed, has fled afield from this fair 
land. When ye shall hear the pealing of the castle bell it 
is the signal of the Kings' approach. Prepare ye then the 
feast. Make glad your hearts that all is well. My gentle 
watchfulness is over you and mindful am I of your loyalty. 
Given under hand and seal. Selwyn. 

\^Tbere is a flourish of trumpets and the Castle 
Herald goes out. 

First Peasant 
This Selwyn is a gracious lord in truth. 

Third Peasant 
Better still, he is in deed. 

Second Peasant 
Better he were king of kings instead of lesser lord. 

Fifth Peasant 

Better 'tis as 'tis. The trouble with the world is not to 
let things be as best. Our lord is well content to be just 
what he is. Why mar him by attempt to make a change 
that may change all for worse. He fills his station well. 
Let be. Let the blossom be a blossom, why strive to make 
it fruit unless by nature 'tis ordained for such.'' Seek not 
to forge the shepherd's staff into a spear nor turn the poet's 
quill into a spade. 

Second Peasant 

There is much in what thou sayest. Fm glad I did not 
crack thy pate. 

[12] 



Fifth Peasant 

Even so. To better understand oft makes us love the 
ones we first would slay. 

Second Peasant 

Why, right you are again. Learnst thou that, too, in 
books ? 

Fifth Peasant 

Not in books do we learn true wisdom and content. 
Read thy own heart and by thy acts translate to life what 
thou sawest well written there. 

Second Peasant 

'Fore God. I begin to love thee. 

l^T'be First Steward enters. 

First Servant 

Be off — the Princes come. Do not return until ye hear 
the castle bell. 

[yf// go out. The three Princes enter carrying bows 
and arrows. With them are servants carrying 
targets. 

Prince Eric 

Were it not better not to shoot to-day ? I'm all atremble 
in the thought that soon our fathers come to visit us. 

Prince Harold 

Not so. We must each day some little practice take. 
One hour of shirking might bring on a life of woe. 

Prince Arnold 

Let's to it, then. Go set the target there. A little farther 
back, now to the left a bit. 

[>3] 



Prince Eric 

I'm sure I'll miss the mark, my hand is shaking so. I'm 
glad my father is not here as judge. He'd roundly scold 
me for poor marksmanship. 

\^He shoots. 

Prince Arnold 

Well shot. My hand is firm and I'll do well if I can equal 
thee. 

\^He shoots. 

Prince Harold 

'Tis very close. And were it at a human mark, thou sure 
hadst split a rib. 

Prince Eric 

A human mark ! I often think that if my arrow sank 
into a human breast my tears would cleanse the wound I'd 
make. 

Prince Harold 

Why, Eric! Is it thou that speak'st thus? Thy words 
seem falling from Prince Alford's lips. 

Prince Eric 

Perhaps. I know not what I say. For who can tell until 
the moment comes how he will answer it? I've heard of 
horrors done in name of war, that I would think a privi- 
lege were mine if I could slay the beasts whose guiltiness 
would warrant wiping from the earth the hell-brewed race 
by whom they were begot. In such a case I would not shed 
a tear. 

Prince Arnold 

Hush, not so loud. Too well we know thou speak'st of 

[14] 



Ferox and the former wars he waged upon our sires. Let 
not Prince Alford hear thy words. His gentle heart would 
melt into a balm of mercy and of sorrow, and he would 
lament in deeming it too small to heal the horrors that his 
father dealt. 

Prince Harold 

I do not care who hears me say I hate this Ferox; for 
'tis all of him that we like prisoners must stay cooped up 
here. 

Prince Arnold 

I fear some day he'll break his pledge and wars will be 
renewed. 

Prince Eric 

If he do so why then his only son, Prince Alford, will be 
slain. Lord Selwyn must fulfill his oath. 

Prince Arnold 

What cares he for his son ? Far less than for the vic- 
tories of war. 

Prince Eric 

I would not see Prince Alford die. He is my halved 
heart. A portion of the sun will pass when his light is put 
out. 

Prince Harold 

'Tis strange so foul a bulb as Ferox is should grow so 
fine a bloom. In equal measure of the sire's hate, we have 
of love for son. A noble youth, excelling us in every sport, 
and yet, withal, of gentleness extreme and of a mind so 
studious he's far ahead before we have begun. 

[15] 



Prince Eric 

What think'st thou 'tis that at his forge he works at in 
the night ? When I have asked, he simply smiles and says 
I'll know that selfsame day when to himself 'tis known. 

Prince Harold 

He speaks in riddles and he works at them, but if 'tis 
witchcraft, let him fear its force, 'twill do him harm, for 
he who works at night works in the devil's day. 

Prince Arnold 

Nay, have an end. We cheat our time for archery. 

\^He shoots. 
There, see ! A perfect mark ! 

[Prince Eric is about to draw his bow when a voice 
without is heard singing. 

The Voice {singing without) 

Clouds and winds and men who wander, 

Tell me what you seek. 

Ever hungry for the Yonder, 

Past the purple peak. 

Now you launch the painted galleys. 

Spread the leaping sail — 

Through the forest, down the valley, 

Take the chartless trail: 

Tell me, unreturning soul, 

Tell me what's the goal ! 

Prince Eric 

Whose song is that? Nay, hark! 'Tis Atticus. How 
sweetly dear he sings. Forth at his lips his soul he pours 
in thought of those he loves. 

[i6] 



The Voice 

Shall that hunger find no curing, 

Whatso'er befall, 

While the blue horizon, luring. 

Sends a siren-call ? 

Must the farthest be the dearest. 

You that seek a star ? 

Shall you always scorn the nearest 

For the strange and far ? 

Turn, O wanderer. Turn to rest. 

Home was ever best. 

Prince Harold 
Teacher beloved. 

Prince Arnold 
And friend in all there is. 

Prince Eric 
Come, let us welcome him. 



[Atticus enters. 



Atticus 



Beloved youths. I thrill with joy in greeting you. Come 
yet again your arms in friendship's warm embrace. But 
tell me where is Prince Alford ? 

Prince Eric 

Most of the night he toils there at the forge. It seems 
as if in magic dust he makes endeavor to impound a thun- 
derbolt. He is overwrought and now I think he sleeps. 

Prince Harold 

Nay. See, he comes. 

[Prince Alford enters. 

[17] 



Prince Alford 

My dear, good friend, I heard your song, sweet ever as of 
old. Needless to ask if you fare well. Such song as thine 
came never from infirmity. 

Atticus 

Yes. God be praised, I am quite well. But what is this 
that I am told ? Thou laborest through the witching night 
and slight by day thy skill at arms ? 

Prince Alford 

Put by such doubts, for watch and see. 

\^He shoots. 

Atticus 

Ever the same beloved boy. Straight to the center has 
thy arrow sped. 

Prince Eric 
I'd hate to be thy foe and have thee use me as thy mark. 

Prince Alford 

I am_ sure thou sayest that to tease. Full well thou 
knowest that I ne'er would harm my fellowman unless, 
by death of one, the welfare of the many would be served. 
Yet even then I'ld have no stomach for the deed. Dear 
teacher, is it not a grievous thing that men should slaughter 
men, and all for what ? The most we need is raiment, bed 
and food, and if 'tis blessed with sweet content, there 
is naught else the body needs. The rest of life is but to 
serve, each one his brother man, and not to slay or rend 
him limb from limb. Nay, let us use our skill at arms in 
sportive rivalry or in defense 'gainst vicious beasts. Save 

[i8] 



always when, at hunger's urge, we need must kill to get 
us food. 

Atticus 

That is well said— I hate all war. It is the triumph of 
stupidity. By it the highest of intelligence is made to 
truckle basely to the vanity of kings. By it are millions 
of brave-hearted men forced on to die to satisfy the greed 
of those who little care what be the cost so long as they 
achieve the satisfaction of their purposes. But tell me now. 
What is this thing, this magic dust they say thou mak'st by 
toiling in the midnight hours.'' 

Prince Alford 

It is a mighty power. A giant I have tamed to do man's 
work. See there? This stump its force has overturned. 
A thousand such uprooted in a week will give us broader 
fields. 

Atticus 

To that degree it is a friendly force. But let me warn 
thee seriously. Dark potencies may lurk in new-found 
things, and this thy giant force, begotten in philanthropy, 
may be transmuted to a vicious end, and do the devil's 
work. 

Prince Alford 

That can not be, for if this power be used to slay, then 
each man with it in his hand becomes his fellow's equal. 
The strong would fear to overrun or tread upon the weak. 
Thus by the power that's in this thing will men be drawn 
to closer fellowship. 

[•9] 



Atticus 

Oh, better far that love instead of fear induce to brother- 
hood ! The day shall come, and as I speak I feel it close 
at hand, when war no longer in its charnel reign shall rule 
the hearts of men. 

Prince Eric 

God haste the time. 

Prince Alford 

And when that day has come, shall not we four in loving 
compact stand, calling all nations to the Court of Right ? 

The Other Princes 

So let it be. 

Atticus 

Join all your hands, and thus you consecrate in solemn 
pact yourselves and people to the greatest cause on earth. 
The welfare of humanity. The happiness of man. Now 
sing to me the Song of Peace, the one thou sang'st that 
glorious morn when God smiled on the world. Give me 
again its music and its truth. 

Prince Harold {singing) 

After all the strife is ended 
When the mouth of Mars is dumb, 
Joy shall wait us, love befriended. 
Peace shall come. 

When the foeman's might is broken, 
When we stand in masterdom, 
Heaven shall grant its fairest token, 
Peace shall come. 

[20] 



When the war of life is ended 
O'er the grave the bee shall hum, 
There all sorrow shall be mended. 
Peace shall come. 

[Lord Selwyn enters. 

Lord Selwyn 

Hail, Atticus ! And you, my noble youths ! Hurry you 
now away. In proper raiment clothe yourselves your 
kingly sires to greet. They'll be with us ere long. Go now, 
array you for the feast. 

[ l^he Princes go out. 

Old friend, thou hast travelled far since last thy foot was 
set within our court. Give me the story of thy wanderings. 

Atticus 

Dear my lord, my way has led across the realm of those 
four kings who here to-day in loving tenderness will come 
to greet their darling sons. I would to heaven I might say 
in equal loving bond to join their hands in all sincerity to 
keep the kingly treaty safe. 

Lord Selwyn 
What dost thou mean ? 

Atticus 

Come sit beside me here and hold thyself controlled. I 
must perforce offend thine ear. There is no other course. 
Know, dear my lord, three kings hold steadfast to their 
oath. 'Tis Ferox plans a dastard's damning breach. 

Lord Selwyn 
Thou addest steel to that which was but fear. Say on. 

[21] 



Atticus 

At Ferox's court I rested for a month. The eve before 
departure fell a feast where wine flowed freer than a moun- 
tain stream. My song had words I thought would reach 
their hearts. How sadly I mistook the nature of that 
court. My air had scarcely died when, reeling toward me, 
came a drunken knight. He bawled a song and snapped 
the strings upon my instrument. The words he sang were 
horrible, of all the frightfulness of war and treachery, and 
Ferox roared approval and was foremost in the drunken, 
riotous applause. Then, heedless in his cups, the drunken 
one fell on my neck and with his foul and sickening breath 
he whispered in my ear: "Thus shall King Ferox and his 
men give treatment to the kingdoms of the other kings, and 
spit upon the compact that those damned fools have made 
while we made preparation." Then asked I for his plan 
and when should fall the first stroke of this war. In drunken 
dignity he drew his height and said: "This month it shall 
be at the Feast of Kings, when all the kings are trapped at 
Selwyn's puny court." 

Lord Selwyn 

Said he no more ? 

Atticus 

I questioned: "Shall the stroke fall suddenly ?" Where- 
at he laughed and, lurching forward with a drunken belch, 
replied: 

"When all the swine have left the trough and snoring 
lie within their straw, then shall we rise and tie them fast, 
and, throwing wide the gates, our army, close at hand, 
come rushing in and end the conflict like an ugly dream 
for those we hate. The life blood of three kings that were 
shall mix a mud beneath our feet, and when the mess is 

[22] 



cleared but one All Highest shall remain — King Ferox, 
Emperor of the land and ready for new victories. 

Lord Selwyn 

What treachery ! The teeming thoughts that shake me 
thus can find no shaping speech. How fortunate thou 
heardst. How well that thou wert swift upon thy way. 
Perchance we can forestall their hellish plan. It may be 
that the drunkard lied! Yet that's not so. I have been 
pregnant of this fear and now 'tis born. Thou hast deliv- 
ered me and yet I know not how to care for it. What's to 
be done? My men at arms are naught against an army 
horde. I'll summon forth a few for conference. What ho ! 
Who waits ? 

[Going to the castle door he summons a page. 

Go bid my stewards and chief warden come to me. Were 
it well to beard this Ferox at the feast ? It is my ruin if the 
knight has lied and I accuse the King. I know not what 
is best to do. 

\fthe three Stewards enter. Atticus looks at them. 
He recognizes the First Steward. 

Atticus 

Dear my lord. One moment ere thou speakest a word. 
iXaking Selwyn aside) Who is that man who stands 
there on the lowest castle step .^ 

Lord Selwyn 
Chief Steward of the Feast. 

Atticus 
How long has he been here ? 

[^3] 



Lord Selwyn 

For many moons, but recently he took recess a while. 

Attic us 

'Tis as I thought. Dismiss these men, I've something 
more to say. 

Lord Selwyn 

Retire all. But stand in readiness. Some hasty sum- 
mons I may send. What wouldst thou tell ? 

Attic us 

That one thou call'st Chief Steward of the Feast is but 
a spy upon thee and thy house. He is the selfsame drunken 
knight I told thee of. The one I met in Ferox's court, 
who spilled their hellish plot. 

Lord Selwyn 

Now God forfend. The very spirit of all devilment is 
hedging us around. Come, go along with me. Be ever at 
my hand. We'll preparation make against the fell attack. 
Our eyes upon these plotters we shall keep. Small hope 
but we shall sink beneath the flood. Still, there's a chance 
we may dam back the tide until the other kings a quick 
alliance make against their common foe. 

\^All go into castle. The three stewards enter. 

First Steward 

There's something gone amiss. That long beard billy 
goat has tooted off his horn. I wonder what he said or if 
my face he knew. Lord Selwyn's much disturbed. 

Second Steward 
Suppose he is? Suppose he was put wise? What matter 

[^4] 



it if everything be known? The All Highest Ferox walks 
with God. What combination of mankind 'gainst such 
alliance can prevail ? 

Third Steward 

That's true enough, but yet our purpose is to know each 
substance that a shadow makes. 

First Steward 

See twice with your eyes. Hear twice with your ears 
and sharpen your wits that nothing escapes. Hush! On 
guard! The hour is at hand. 

{Trumpets blare from Jour stations. The Castle 
Herald appears and answers the salute. The 
castle bell peals. Knights^ Yeomen and Peas- 
ants pouring in. 

The Castle Herald 
The four kings come. Make ready. 

[ There is great bustle of preparation for the feast. 
Tables are brought in. The music of a march is 
heard and a company of Knights and Yeomen 
is seen approaching on the hillside. King 
Hagen's Herald stands forth. 

King Hagen's Herald 
King Hagen comes ! 

\Yeomen bring in a throne and put it in place. King 
Hagen and his men enter and he takes his place 
on the throne. 

Chorus 

Star, star of Peace advancing. 

Be thou bright as the sun in all his glory ! 

[^5] 



Songs, songs of future sagas, 
Tell her triumph in music to men ! 
Cry that Peace shall reign forever ! 
Let the war-god tremble as he hears ! 
Peace shall stand as stand the mountains 
Through the storms of all the years. 

God of peace, now to Thee 
Sing thy children in devotion ! 
To our Lord raise the song — 
Lord of power on earth and ocean ! 
God, to Thee appealing. 
Cry we evermore ! 
Death to war! Death to war! 
Send the war-god reeling ! 

When dust has stopped the trumpet's throat, 

A gentler music then shall reign. 

And war's old thunder, long remote. 

Shall seek the homes of men in vain. 

The hands that once took up the steel 

Shall strive in love and not in hate. 

And hearts that once made war their weal 

Shall serve the Comrade State. 

[King Hugo, King Agnar, and King Ferox, each 
accompanied by Knights and Yeomen^ enter after 
being announced by their respective Heralds, 
thrones for the Kings are brought in, on which 
they sit. Each group sings as it enters^ and at 
the end all join in the song. When it ceases trum- 
pets sound in the castle. 

The Castle Herald 
Lord Selwyn comes ! 

[26] 



[Lord Selwyn, accompanied by Atticus, Knights 
and Teomen and followed at a distance by the four 
PrinceSy enters. 

Lord Selwyn 

Your Majesties, I kiss your hands and bow allegiance 
to your royalty. In the fullness of my heart I welcome you. 
To the utmost of my poor ability I've kept my sacred 
pledge: the care and training of your sons. I trust my 
stewardship is free from blame. 

King Hagen 
Thou hast done well. 

King Hugo 
We are well pleased with thee. 

King Agnar 
A knight like thee makes glad his king. 

King Ferox 

He who does full duty to his king performs the work of 
God. 

Lord Selwyn 

I render thanks, your Gracious Majesties. Go, noble 
youths, and greet your royal sires. 

IfThe Princes advance and greet their sires. 

King Hagen 

Come closer to my heart. Thou givest me back that 
part of me that I have lacked since last I saw thy face. 

Prince Eric 
*Tis sweet indeed to greet thee once again. 

[27] 



King Hugo 

My son, thou growest now to man's estate. I'm over- 
proud of thee. 

Prince Harold 

Be it child or youth or man, my love for thee grows 
ever with my days. 

King Agnar 

Through thine eyes thy mother looks at me. I find In 
thee the love of sweetheart and of son. 

Prince Arnold 

The tax of double love thou placest on me I know well 
my heart can give. 

King Ferox 

How's this, thou'rt pale and thin, my son! I fear thou 
shunst the tilt-yard and the practising of arms. 

Prince Alford 

Nay, have no fear. I shun no practice that befits a 
youth who loves his fellowman. 

King Ferox 

I like not wholly thy reply. 

Prince Alford 

My father, have no fear, to-morrow thou shalt learn how 
well my leisures have been spent. 

Lord Selwyn 

And now, my royal subjects, according to the pact of 
Kings, I am your monitor and Lord. I ask your oath of 
unity that each to each must give. Cross now your swords 

[28] 



as symbol consecrate that peace shall reign throughout 
your realms. 

l^T'he four Kings approach one another and cross 
swords. 

Lord Selwyn 

Do you solemnly renew your oaths to dwell in peace 
and unity? 

The Four Kings 
We do. 

King Ferox {aside) 
Not. 

Lord Selwyn 

Then each his sword place thus within my hands as 
further token of your armistice. 

\_'The four Kings surrender their swords to their sons, 
who in turn place the swords in Lord Selwyn's 
hands. 

Lord Selwyn 

Bring forth the coffer. 

\^A large box is carried in. 

Thus first are placed these royal swords. 

[Lord Selwyn places the swords in the coffer. 

And now, Sir Knights, I ask of you no less an action 
than your kings have done. Give up your arms. 

\jl'he Knights and Teomen march in circle around 
the coffer and deposit their arms in it. 'The coffer 
is then borne into the vault and the key given to 
Lord Selwyn. 

[29] 



Lord Selwyn 

The banquet waits. 

[y^/ the large royal table sits Lord Selwyn in the 
center.^ King Ferox on his rights and King 
Hag EN on his left. At the ends of the table sit 
King Hugo and King Agnar. 

Lord Selwyn 

I drink a health to each and every one. Our hearts are 
open. Let speech and merriment be unconfined. Come, 
let's have a drinking song. 

[Xhe Fifth Knight rises at his -place. 

Fifth Knight {singing) 

When Bacchus in the glowing South 

Ordained the use of wine, 

Man drank it with enraptured mouth, 

And hailed the god divine. 

Now if you'll make a draught as good. 

We'll crown you ruler of our wood. 

When fairies in the northern parts 
The heather-ale revealed. 
The people drank with merry hearts, 
And half their woes were healed. 
Now if you'll make a brew as good, 
We'll crown you ruler of our wood. 

'Tis westward now the vine is grown 
That has so fair a fame. 
But tho' it bless another zone 
It finds our thirst the same. 

[30] 



We lift the cup to Bacchus good, 
And crown him ruler of our wood. 

Chorus 

Drink, drink, drink ! 
We'll drink old Care away ! 
Let the ringing glasses clink, 
And let the night be gay ! 
Drink, drink, drink ! 
Here's all the joy of earth ! 
So drink, drink, drink 
To all the stars of mirth ! 

King Hugo {rising) 

I dearly love to hear good songs. 'Tis then we seem to 
hear a part of us that is a stranger to ourselves speak to 
another part. It makes a man become a better friend unto 
himself. The stony part of him takes on a gentleness. 
The world is better for its songs. I feel myself grow kind- 
lier for every song I hear. Yes, e'e/i tho' it be a song in 
praise of drink. Drink in itself is no bad thing, 'tis but 
the heedlessness of him who drinks that makes the drink- 
ing bad; and so a song extolHng drink, if seasonably sung, 
is no less worthy than a hymn. I drink a toast to Drink. 

[All drink. 

Chorus 

Drink, drink, drink ! 
We'll drink old Care away! 
Let the ringing glasses clink. 
And let the night be gay ! 
Drink, drink drink ! 
Here's all the joy of earth ! 

[31] 



So drink, drink, drink 
To all the stars of mirth ! 
[^T'here is boisterous laughter at one of the tables. 

Lord Selwyn 
What is it that disturbs you at your table there? 

First Knight 

We'd have a dance, for here's a chap who can out-jig 
the feet from off a jumping-jack. 

Lord Selwyn 
Do not hold back. Come let me have thy dance. 

[yf Yeoman, encouraged by his fellows^ comes for- 
ward and dances. 

King Hagen 

Methinks the dance holds equal place with song. For 
see you how the muscles work in rhythm to the music's 
beat. I've danced a great deal in my time and reveled in 
its joy. 'Twixt song and dance I do elect the Dance and 
to its functions here I raise my cup. 

\Laughter is heard from one of the groups. 

Lord Selwyn 

Nay, let us all share in the laugh. Has some one made 
a merry quip or told a funny tale ? 

Second Knight 

My lord, we did but laugh because this fellow here says 
banquets are all well enough but he prefers to write a verse 
of love and pour it in the rose leaf of my lady's ear. 

[32] 



Lord Selwyn 

He may be right, but let us speak him fair and so we do 
insist he sing for us a song of love. 

[^fhe Third Knight rises and steps forward. 

Third Knight {singing) 

The dawn danced over the world 
With golden-sandalled feet, 
And the poppies their petals unfurled 
And the green of the year was sweet. 
The Lark o'er the asphodels winging 
His flight to the heavens above 
Seemed to lead all nature in singing, 
I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love. 

I had wandered afield that morning 
And my heart was heavy and sad. 
But now in a flash came warning 
To cast aside gloom and be glad. 
So I sang as the birds were singing. 
And I mocked at the sorrowing dove. 
Till I set all the echoes singing, 
I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love. 

Then I hastened away to the bower 
Where I knew my darling would be. 
She was there as sweet as a flower 
And she put out her hands to me. 
Then the morning went mad with dancing 
As our heaven-dew kisses fell. 
All things were laughing and prancing, 
Where love is, where love is, all is well. 



King Agnar 

That song leaped hot from out the heart. It touched 
divinity. Love is the breath of God. It sits enthroned 
in the heart of him whose eyes look toward the stars. No 
man has ever turned from baser things in stern resolve for 
betterment, who was not prompted by the voice of love. 
'Tis love that tunes the poet's lyre and guides the painter's 
brush. 'Tis music's soul and vision of the sculptor's eyes. 
But greater far than all great things is when overswelling 
love prompts man to serve his fellowman and feels no 
burden for the joy of the fruition. Where love is in the 
heart we stand within the presence of our God ! 

\^He raises his cup. 

Lord Selwyn 

And now altho' — quite like a requiem, for sure the thing 
is dead — but, even so, let's cheer ourselves because the 
hideous monster's gone and no more to be feared; and so, 
is any here can sing a song of war } 

\_All rise and sing. 

Chorus 

War, to thee, with swords extended 
Sing we now thy battle-song. 
Where the foeman's ranks are rended 
We thy sons belong. 

War, from thee, on land and water 
Beg we now the battle's birth. 
Let the trumpet of thy slaughter 
Break on all the earth ! 

War, to thee, our spears uplifting. 
Cry we now with final breath. 

[34] 



Lo ! the battle-vultures, drifting, 
Wait the feast of death ! 

\^All resume their places. 

King Ferox {rising) 

I've listened to your words in praise of song, of dance, 
of love, my pulses quietly attuned as though I were a cat 
that sat beside a hearth and purred. 'Twas you who sang 
of war that stirred my blood and made me know I was a 
man again. 

{turning to Lord Selwyn) 

My noble lord, why cradle into sleep thy better sense 
with thoughts like anodyne that war is dead? It only lies 
in watch, and waits its chance to fall upon the world and 
shake humanity at will. If other nations fatten and grow 
dull while feeding on this Corpse of Time called Peace, 
there surely is arising somewhere on this earth a race of 
supermen to grasp a firmer grip on life in deeper dyed 
virility. The destiny of man will ne'er be writ in other ink 
than blood. Thy songs, thy dance, thy arts, thy love but 
punctuate the years that lie 'twixt one war and another; 
the years wherein a nation quarrels with itself and smugly 
says it is at peace. 

Why ? What is peace ? What are its fruits ? They flourish 
for a while until all thought of war is gone and then they 
rot to weeds. The men decay to women and the women 
thus made bold grow rank in the belief they equal men. 
Out of these flaccid and degenerate days of peace there 
spring the triumphs of incompetence where dolts anoint 
themselves in self-conceit, and thus abetted by the stupid 
crowd, they find themselves in seats of might to which 
their minus talents ne'er can measure up. And so it goes 
from bad to worse, urhtil war's trumpets sound alarm and 

[35] 



call to service those who still are men among this mass of 
stinking vanity and jumbled sex. The world would fall 
apart were it not for war's compellifig force or fear (if so 
you will) that makes men mindful that they still are men 
and not a jelly substance pressed into a human form. 
And so to War I pledge the toast. 

\_All rise excitedly. 

Lord Selwyn 

King Ferox, thou forget'st thy oath ! 

King Ferox 

Ha! Ha! How easy 'tis to fright the flock by imita- 
tion of an eagle cry. I did but jest. My oath I've not 
forgot. Your silence pray and hear me out ! 

\^All resume their seats. 

What I have said is such a speech I would have made in 
my hot youth, but now the vintage of the years flows 
calmer through my veins. I hate the name of war and 
almost weep to think of its necessity. Out of its hell no 
heaven can emerge. The progress of all nations of the 
earth would better far be gained through wise administra- 
tion of their God-appointed kings in friendly council met 
to settle all their diflferences, than horribly to hear the 
frightful call to arms shrieked from the brazen throat of 
War. There is no cause for men to rot for that a gentle 
peace sits brooding o'er their land. The murderers of 
peace are those ungrateful self-exalted fools who kill the 
gentle age that fosters them. If these be quickly crushed 
without false sentiment or corrupting gain, then many 
dangerous sparks are easily snuffed out before they burst 
to flame. Let people stand forever loyal to their king, 
and by all proper means assist in the selection of their 
ablest men to counsel him should he command their aid. 

[36] 



For what is war? 'Tis but a process for the sorting of 
mankind. If peace that lesson will but learn from war, 
then war will pass away. 'Tis cause for grief to think that 
peace perforce has aught to learn from war. When will we 
know the fullest harvest gathered from the blood-drenched 
battle fields of war is far from equal measure with the over- 
flowing fruitage of perpetual peace ^ That lesson some day 
will be learned. Then shall an epoch of unending peace be 
ushered in, yet till it come the hand that guides the state 
must not discard the mailed glove of might. It may be 
soon; it may be far away. I see a vision of all time to come 
beneath the peaceful rule of those whom God, grown weary 
of the wars, hath called to rule the world. The vision that 
I see is all too great for words. It seems a new world 
poured from out the hand of God. If ye shall live some 
day it shall be yours to see. Pledge deep with me and 
drink the toast — My Vision of a Peaceful World. 

[^Tbere is a flourish of trumpets and the beating of 
drums. 

Lord Selwyn 

There is no more to say. When warlike kings abhor the 
mailed fist, and stern commands of war make way for bene- 
dictions and the prophecies of peace, 'tis time to close our 
feast and each with grateful heart to hold communion with 
himself. Within the hour the castle bell shall toll the pass- 
ing of the day. Good night to every one. 

\T!he music of the march is heard again. 1'he tables 
are removed ^ and all except the Peasants enter the 
castle. 

First Peasant 

Egad, I thought that Ferox ne'er would lock his jaw. 
Did ye ever hear so long a talk ? 

[37] 



Second Peasant 
Not I, I had a pain while waiting for the end. 

Third Peasant 
There's much he said was true. 

Fifth Peasant 

Truth often tumbles from a treacherous tongue. He 
never meant a word he said. 

Second Peasant 

His dove of peace is but a kite of war smeared white 
with insincerity. 

Third Peasant 

Well anyhow, I was much pleased with all said by the 
other kings. 

First Peasant 

I too. But Fm quite tired out. Me for the hay. To- 
morrow there is much to do. Good night. 

\_All go out. 



[38] 



DANCE INTERLUDE 

A divertissement in four numbers. 

First: The world sleeps. Gentle dreams come to all who 
sleep well after a day of work or fine achievement. 
The souls of those who rest in wholesome sleep go 
forth into the zone whereto they step across the zero 
point of consciousness^ and remember not whither 
they went nor whence they came. 

Second: The Land of Dreams. The twinkling stars and the 
glint of the moon s beams play the accompaniment 
for dainty tripping of fairy feet. 

Third: Dawn. The night lights of sweetest sentiment fade 
into the sterner glow of the dawn. The souls of the 
sleepers hear the message to return and they bid fare- 
well to the fanciful Land of Dreams. 

Fourth: Daybreak. The sleepers begin to awake. Man's 
world will soon be stirring. To the pure, sleep has 
given fortitude and health; to the evil, it brought no 
balm. 



[39] 



EPISODE II 

^he scene is the same as in Episode I. 

[Ferox and the Stewards enter. 

King Ferox 
What is thy news ? 

First Steward 

Your Majesty, all is prepared. In making semblance 
that we cleaned the locks we've copied all the keys. There's 
nothing left undone. 

King Ferox 

I did not like the thought Prince Alford spoke in greet- 
ing me. Tell me of him. 

Second Steward 

He labors here within this shed at night. He once was 
heard to say he strove to subdue lightning to the bidding 
of his will. Whate'er it is he makes he has concealed with- 
in the room of death there, high upon the castle's wall. 

King Ferox 
Why didst thou not see what it was? 

Second Steward 
No one dares enter there. 

[40] 



King Ferox 

What! 'Tis well enough to say of other men they dare 
not do this thing or that, but thou belong'st to me — a part 
and parcel of my wish. Thou livest only by sufFrance of 
my will. 

{to the First Steward) 

Go get thee to that room of mystery, and though to it 
there be no key but solid walled about, get in, let nothing 
be unknown. 

First Steward 
It shall be so. Our lives, our deaths are thine. 

\_Stewards go out. 

King Ferox 

I'll hide me here and watch. I have delayed too long in 
trifling with these stupid kings. They are in my way, but 
now I'm well prepared to crush them under foot. Almighty 
God, Thou art my pal. Through all Thy centuries this 
earth was but Thy plaything — only waiting for my birth. 
Now give it me and go amuse Thyself elsewhere. 

\^Enter Prince Alyovjd from a secret door under the 
steps. After a moment Lord Selwyn and At- 
Ticus enter stealthily and conceal themselves 
behind a buttress. 

Prince Alford 

The words of Atticus weigh heavy on my heart. Oh, 
gentle night, whose voice so oft has guided me, must I 
believe you urged me on but to betray me in dread con- 
sequence ? This thunderbolt I've tamed, shall it possess its 
greatest virtue only in its power to destroy } It can not be. 
The stars have said the truth, and from my own oracular 

[41] 



soul I draw a confirmation of the visions I have seen. The 
force that in the hands of man IVe placed shall lead him 
one step forward on his way, not blast him from the path. 
Come what come may, I cast my gauntlet at the feet of 
fate. Let me draw an inspiration from my forge and 
crucible and vassal fire. 

YHe goes toward the work-shed and discovers his father. 

My father! Thou — and yet well met. It is too seldom 
that I see thy face, and though this humid air of night 
may be unwholesome for thy tired limbs, I am glad thou 
art here. The darkening hours entice to speech a heart 
that's running o'er, and I have much to say. 

King Ferox 

Thy news will keep till leisure more will serve. The 
time is short. The mailed fist of Might holds fast the pres- 
ent hour in his grip. 

Prince Alford 
What dost thou mean ? 

King Ferox 

Hast thou not pondered on the royal blood that courses 
in thy veins, and the source from whence it flows ? 

Prince Alford 

Thou meanst that in the mirror of myself I see thy image 
there. 

King Ferox 

That is exactly what I mean and I would have thee tell 
me now how much of me thou seest there. 



Prince Alford 

My tongue must speak in proud conceit, but even so I 
hope the gentlest part of thee repeats in me. 

King Ferox 

Thou answerest out of tune. Too long this Selwyn's 
fed thee on his mewling pap. Look full into my face and 
spell out, if thou canst, what's written there. 

Prince Alford 

No need to spell it out. Thy speech needs no inter- 
preter, 'tis plain enough. Thy breast is stirring in a deep 
resolve. I fear thou hast a plan of great significance. 

King Ferox 

Thou hast well said. I have. This night shall see an 
empire born. All lesser kings must pass. To-night we 
place our feet upon the threshold that leads on to our do- 
minion of the earth. No ruler shall there be, save only 
me, and after me the Hne that from my loins has sprung. 

Prince Alford 

Thou planst this night a deed of treachery: to slay these 
kings who here in loving trust and confidence are met. 

King Ferox 

Why not ? The weakling simpletons. Each one to hold 
his land must cry out to the other two for aid. Almighty 
God alone doth rule the Universe, and one All Highest even 
so must rule the earth, — and I am he. 

Prince Alford 

My father, I make bold to tell thee thou art mad. I 
thought thou hadst foregone thy warlike practices, but 

[43] 



now I see these peaceful days have been perverted toward 
a foul intent. Thy recent years have been hypocrisy. 
Count me not with thee in thy hellish plan. My father, 
can I not turn thee from this fearful thing? 

King Ferox 

I change not. My army's close at hand — e'en now they 
cautiously creep nigh to open the attack. We have keys 
to all the gates and portals of the place. The scrimmage 
will be short. Surrender will be quick. Only the kings and 
their detested brats shall die, all others crying "Comrade" 
will be spared. My son, take heed. I speak to thee a mes- 
sage of eternity. It is the will of God. 

Prince Alford 

Oh, falsely dost thou misconstrue His will ! Now hear me 
speak. Thou drunkard of thine own self-brewed abomi- 
nation! Thy brain disturbed by drivel of thy lying 
court has made thee think thou art supreme. The truth 
to thee is never told. . . The task is mine to tell thee 
that the work of kings is to build up on earth the will of 
God, and not destroy. What carest thou for aught except 
thy vain conceit that stinketh like the fetid breath of war? 
To please thyself thou'dst use the lives of many million 
men to play thy selfish game. Thou'dst sit and smile and 
be amused at all the woe and death by thee begot. And 
then thou'lt say in devil-dyed mendacity: "'Tis for the 
Fatherland and betterment of man." Thouliest! He who 
starts a war but for the sake of war is doomed for lowest 
depth of hell. I tell thee to put by this fell design. Thou 
canst not win. 'Tis written in the Book of Fate, and I 
have read it there. I warn thee that this night shall see 
no empire born for thee, but thy unmourned corpse shall 

[44] 



be borne hence before the break of day. I've done with 
thee. 

King Ferox 

It had been better that my seed had scattered to the 
winds and not have fertilized a womb to bear a mental 
castrate such as thou. Go get within, and let this poultry 
lord sHt wide thy chicken throat. I'd twist thy neck my- 
self, save that I'd lower my estate by such an act. I'll ask 
Lord Selwyn for thy head and give it thy halved blood 
brothers for a toy. 

[Lord Selwyn and Atticus enter the castle. 

Prince Alford 

That shall be as it shall be. 

King Ferox 

Faugh ! Get thee hence I go to sound the knell of kings 
and wake the world to feel my heel upon its neck. 

\He goes out. 

Prince Alford 

My God ! Thou askest of me a heavy test. But when 
the moment comes I shall not fall. 

\He goes out. Trumpets are heard in the castle. A 
general hubbub ensues and the castle portals open. 
'The Jour Kings with their Knights and Yeomen 
pour forth. Lord Selwyn enters. 

Lord Selwyn 

Your Majesties, and you my knights and men. King 
Ferox to his oath has proven false. But now, he left the 
castle to join the forces of his realm that wait hard by. 
Go open now that vault wherein were placed the symbols 

[45] 



of man's hate. Bring forth the chest! And ye who hither 
came with that false king, now get ye in and be interned 
until the end is known. 

[King Ferox's attendants enter the vault and are 
locked in. 

Let each one take his arms and follow me. Perchance 
we may withstand their blows till some unknown deliver- 
ance shall come. 

[yf// enter the castle. 'Trumpets sound alarms^ which 
are followed by the music oj battle as King Ferox's 
soldiers pour down the hill. A trumpeter blows 
a blast. 

King Ferox 

Hearest thou, Selwyn ! Throw wide thy doors ! Deliver 
up thy royal wards and make surrender to my sovereignty! 
No harm shall come to those who bow unto my will. 

[Prince Alford appears on the balcony. 

Prince Alford 
My sire — hear me speak. 

\A spear is hurled at him. 

Your spear fell short, even so shall all your purposes. 
[T'i'i? First Steward appears beside Prince Alford 
on the balcony. 

First Steward 

The spear fell short but I do not. Here's where we make 
an end of thee. 

Prince Alford 

It is not well to prate, not too loud before your deed is 
done. 

[46] 



\_1'hey struggle and Prince Alford hurls the First 
Steward over the balcony. 

King Ferox {laughing) 

Well done, th'ou damned perverted pup ! Thou hast thy 
father's stuff in thee, though falsely turned awry. Selwyn, 
I wait but three blasts of the trump for thy reply. 

\^A trumpet sounds thrice. 'There is no answer. 
Now have at them ! 

[ They begin to batter down the door. Prince Alford 
reappears J carrying a number of bombs and a 
torch. 

Prince Alford 

I bid thee stop, O sire mine ! I warn thee yet again. 
Their deaths and thine be on thy head ! I cry for Peace, 
Peace, once more ! 

King Ferox 

The sparrow chirping on the wall. Begin — nor cease 
till all in ruin falls ! On ! On ! 

Prince Alford 

So be it then. 

\Lighting one bomb after another he throws them 
amongst the attackers. A terrific havoc is wrought. 
Again and again they fall back and again renew 
the assault. But few are left when a voice is heard 
to cry, ''JVe can not fight against the might of 
God!" and the survivors fly shrieking to the hills. 
King Ferox lies wounded and dying. Lord 
Selwyn appears beside Prince Alford and 
addresses those below , under the impression that 

[47] 



they have won victory by means of some new and 
terrible weapon. 

Lord Selwyn 

Ferox — stay but a while thy hand. We will hold parley 
with thee. 

\He sees the piles of dead and hears the moans of the 
wounded and realizes his mistake. 

{to Prince Alford) 

God! Who has wrought this frightful slaughter of 
strong men ? Alford — thou ? — Thy one weak hand against 
the might of many ? Throw wide the doors. 

\^He disappears for a moment^ then re-enters as the 
castle door is openedyfollowed by the Kings ^ At- 
Ticus and the Knights and Yeomen. 

Lord Selwyn 

Where is this traitor king ? Here he lies ! Alford, de- 
scend ! Thy sire dies. He has scant hour to live. So, 
thou false king, altho' with pity should my heart run o'er, 
I'm glad thy end is come. 

\fthe other Kings look in disgust and gratification at 
King Ferox. Prince Alford leaves the bal- 
cony and comes out of the castle. 

Prince Alford 

One word I have to say. God placed His might within 
my hand, and bade me do His will. 

King Ferox 

My end is near. I can not understand. My cup of bit- 
terness is full enoughwithout this added drop — the thought 
thou art my son. 

[48] 



Atticus {advancing) 

I love thee not, and am not urged by the intent to dull 
the pain of ny sting that goads thee at thy darkening 
hour. 'Tis for my love of Alford that I open now my heart, 
wherein for many years a secret has been locked. Prince 
Alford is no son of thine, and yet no bastard he. Long, 
long ago, God breathed a poem in a flower's heart, and 
from the union came the beauteous maid Godesha. From 
station far beneath I saw and worshipped her, for like a 
star she seemed not of this earth but far beyond. By mir- 
acle of love she gave her heart and hand to me, and we were 
wed. She of royal blood and I a humble bard. Our nup- 
tial moon was in its second phase when thy hot lust made 
her thy queen, and sealed my lips, lest, speaking, I should 
cause her death and mine. Then nature kept account and 
in due time her baby boy was born. The product of our 
loves — no child of thine. She tarried only long enough to 
give her infant to the world, and as the mother's prayer 
grew faint upon her petalled lips, her gentle soul went back 
again into some flower's heart. Prince Alford is my son — 
not thine. 

King Ferox 

Through all his life I have admired him and flattering 
myself I laid those qualities I loved in him as being of my 
blood. I have been tricked by man and God. I am my 
only friend, there is nothing left but this. 

\^He stabs himself and dies. 

Lord Selwyn 

I ne'er knew thee to do a better thing. Thou hast be- 
queathed the earth a blessing in thy death. Come, bear 

[49] 



this body hence. Unclasp not from his hands the unholy 
crucifix they hold. 

[^ knight attempts to take his dagger. 

Let that, his only comfort be within the grave. 

[King Ferox's body is borne away to the accompani- 
ment^ of funeral music. Prince Alford weeps 
bitterly. 

King Hugo 

'Tis well thou weepest. By every tear thou shed'st, thou 
shalt be raised to lesser depths of hell than where thy sire's 
gone. 

{to Lord Selwyn) 

I call upon thee, now, my lord, in strict obedience to 
thy stewardship, to send this youth pellmell along the road 
his sire went. 

Lord Selwyn 

My liege, thou hast forgot the words of Atticus. This 
gentle youth is not of Ferox's get. On him no deathlike 
service canst thou bid me do. 

King Agnar 

I would not ask his death, and if he were a direct shoot 
from out that gnarled trunk, 'twas he who freed us from 
the infectious beast who'll worry us no more. 

King Hagen 

Yea, we owe him more than death. 

Prince Alford 

Or life or death, I care not which. Perhaps 'twere now 
most blest to die. There is within my soul an absolute con- 
tent. The unknown fate of future days may never see 

[5°] 



another moment such as this — wherein a mighty service 
to mankind bears in its heart the jewel of a new found love. 

\^He embraces Atticus. 

King Hugo 

Well, let's to sterner conference than waste our time in 
finding who is who. That Alford is not Ferox's son is all 
we wish to know. That kingless kingdom now we shall 
divide between us three. I claim the north and all that 
lies from River Vaskan to the sea. 

King Hagen 

And is that all thou'dst take? More simply said than 
done; that choice is mine, for closer to my realm it lies. 

King Agnar 

Ye both mistake. I need it most. It gives to me a 
pathway that I long have coveted. 'Tis best thou'dst take 
what south of Vaskan lies — the east part thou. 

King Hugo 

How easy 't is for thee to make partition of the land we 
do not want, and carve the best out for thyself. I'll take 
no other part than that which I have named. 

King Hagen 

The devil take thy soul before thou dost! 

Lord Selwyn 

Your Majesties forget Prince Alford, through his mother, 
is of royal blood descent. His kingdom waits intact. 

Prince Alford 

I would not have it so. No throne for me. My life I 
dedicate to nobler purposes than the tainted lech to rule 

[51] 



a state. Take you, O Kings, that scepter that my mother's 
life disdained; I have no use for it. But in dividing it I 
pray no blood be shed. 

King Hugo 

That's our affair — and as for thee, Lord Selwyn, keep 
out of this ! This is a royal conference of kings. What 
say ye then is mine from Vaskan to the sea ? 

King Hagen 

Thou swine ! This show of greed gives proof to legend of 
thy birth, a heated queen cooled off by ministrations of a 
stable groom. 

King Hugo 

Thou liest, thou foul-mouthed cur ! Thou spawn of sire 
diseased, made rotten by a taphouse wench ! 

King Hagen 

Better had thy swinish snout held back that damned 
grunt — for now it will be answered by the loud alarms of 
war. Not only Vaskan to the sea I claim, but both your 
realms I'll seize. I'll be the Ferox of the land! Come then, 
my men ! My blood is up, and shall not be relieved till 
floods of other blood shall counterbalance it. 

King Agnar 

Thou thinkest thou art Ferox come again. Thy memory 
is most short, recalling not his end. Thy end shall be far 
more inglorious, for thou art but a fool. Thy crown will 
pay the penalty. Come on, my men, we've tarried here 
too long ! The battle cry of war now calls us hence. 

King Hugo 

Why then, have at it, for I'll make the heavens fall, or 
ever I'll give in! Come, let's away! 

[52] 



Prince Alford 

Nay, hear you me ! 

I tell you there shall be no war. In Ferox's end the will 
of God was manifest. No one can gain the earth. Full 
many times it has been tried, and never yet has won. All 
dreams of empire painted in the horrors of all wars are 
naught but ashes, or the dead sea's fruit of bitterness. I 
speakwith tongue of prophecy. All war is done. This late- 
born might by which I checked the force of your weak war- 
like arms will be transcendcjd by a newer power to set at 
naught the strength that went before. Shall man's God- 
given genius ever be directed for the death of men ^ Is 
there no goal on earth save that which is a triumph in the 
lust of death ^ What then is life except the food of death ? 
I cry aloud against such thought as that ! The end of war 
is close at hand. No more shall putrid royalty protect its 
infamous abomination and conceit, securely bulwarked by 
the corpses, mountain high, of noble men. The flower of 
humanity urged on to slaughter for no other purpose than 
to save a worthless group of rogues and vagabonds within 
their useless place ! No, no, it shall not be ! Hereafter, 
should the cry for battle fill the air, it shall be left to those 
whose blood is to be spilled to vote war's declaration. And 
this shall only be if ever with injustice the entire world 
goes mad. Nay, war is done indeed ! High waves the 
banner of mankind across the skies, no longer drenched 
in blood; but proudly it proclaims — Peace be to Earth, 
Good Will and Love to man. 

(fo the Princes) 

My loving comrades, give me now your hands and let me 
speak for all. No longer have I words for kings. I speak 
to you, the people now who need must bear the burden 
of the land. Let not your backs be broken by the added 

[53] 



weight of king or emperor. Let those who rule hereafter, 
selected by the people, be from those among you who are 
wise, and even then let them be safely hedged about by 
super-councils of the tried and true, lest they in turn be 
swelled by vanity of kings, or false belief they are the Lord's 
elect. If it should be that e'er again a people cry for 
war, it shall be only that all hope for peace is gone by 
those whose able qualities and worthy lives compelled 
their choice to represent their nation's rights within a 
Parliament of all the Lands where bloodless wars are 
waged. 

I call upon you all. Do ye consent ? 

lAll cry, 'We do! " ''We do! " 

Prince Alford 

Why, then, you kings, your knell is rung. Your abdi- 
cations signed and sealed in follies and misgovernment of 
sacred trusts profaned. It is the Twilight of the Kings. 
They are passing into night; and now behold, in Truth 
and Liberty, a new Day dawns upon the world! 

[^ deep glow breaks over the forest; it grows in its 
intensity until the whole world seems englorified 
in light. The Chorus bursts into the Finale as 
the orchestra swells and throbs with exultation in 
the fulfillment and realization that indeed A New 
Day has dawned upon the World of Man. 

THE END 



[54] 



SYNOPSIS OF THE MUSIC 



In the Prelude to"TheTwilightof the Kings" an attempt 
has been made to illustrate musically the spirit of the 
entire play. The first thirty-four bars are built upon a 
double pedal and are intended to suggest tranquillity. 
Andante sostenuto 




I 



T 



I 



0<»-*4^^ 



P 



S 



•f-c 



At bar 20 the first theme (peace) begins: 




The music becomes more and more animated, till its 
course is suddenly arrested by a trumpet call which ushers 
in a subsidiary theme. 

Suggestion of the Second Theme 
Allegretto grazioso 

5^ 




Wood wind 



which leads after considerable development to the second 
theme: 

Andante con moto 




Strings and wood wind 

[56] 



This theme (intended to depict the sturdy, vigorous, 
peaceful life of the community) is the main theme of the 
prelude, as indeed of the play itself; for it is used for the 
Glee, March, Hornpipe and Finale. 

The first theme supplies the motive for the Peace Song 
and the first movement of the Suite de Ballet. The re- 
mainder of the Prelude is built upon this second theme 
and portions of the first theme. The music increases in 
intensity, the themes becoming more and more distorted, 
suggesting the turmoil caused by Ferox, till at last it 
comes to a long pause. A few bars of uncertain tonality 
suggest the indecision and perplexity apparent after the 
death of Ferox. This is soon cleared up as the main theme 
is resumed and brought to a brilliant and triumphant 
ending. 

Early in the play a band of Peasants enters singing a 
Glee: 



^^iCo^-iTLO 



n\ ijtn3 =±± 



fm^-w¥ ^m 



UiLa J. 



.5f 









■J^ 



+ 



T 



I 



rn 



-i 



^ 



i 



Later Atticus sings his Wander-Song, beginning: 
Moderato 




ruj J, J r ^^^ 



C/Octdt i*-^ Utt^'ii OLt^^ f l *4.t.*. tAit^ CJOA^y*^ 

[57] 



And after a time a Peace Song is introduced: 



After a fanfare of trumpets the four Kings and their 
suites enter, singing as they march: 




"zz^ 



^^ 



5 



S^olv Sh^ -^"l^^-^^ 



A. A a v^L^t 



-f 



During the feast a Drinking Song with chorus is sung: 



M 



s -i ' ' "'I' l ,, 4'->f^> 



UiLu- tSf-iJcLu^ A fLi- QLu.n<^P^ { tU.lt, i/t }a.u*d-^ /ZU. Uo-c 



Then a Hornpipe is danced: 



li^^\LUJV-,\^ . 






t^ 



[58] 



Then a song of Love is sung: 




^^^^ 



fL*. ^aw*- \i.o^<^ OV**' HoL c,n*U o<^*vi f^ixLt^itu'iJlUS f*t/lf 



And lastly a Song of War by the chorus: 



^ 



± 



6^^^^^ 



S 



s 



L/ M-i <T^ 



lUiTV^ ft Tt^ 4^k Sant%^ ^«f6^-^t^ 



The Intermezzo consists of a Suite de Ballet in four 
movements entitled: 



The Passing of the Hours. 
No. I. Depicts the world in slumber. 
Nos. 1 and 3. The coming of the dawn. 
No. 4. Daylight and the awakening of the world. 

After the death of Ferox, his body is borne away to a 
funeral march : 

[59] 



fW 




m 



iMiij^ 



■i%. t«-|- 




f^ '^ T1' '^ 



1 

The Finale is constructed on the music of the March. 



Wallace A. Sabin. 



[60] 



